What assumed name registrations is a Big Apple Bagels franchisee required to obtain?
Big_Apple_Bagels Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Franchisee agrees to display the Marks prominently and in the manner prescribed by Franchisor on signs, forms, and other materials and articles. Further, Franchisee agrees to give such notices of trademark or service mark ownership or registration and copyrights as Franchisor specifies and to obtain such fictitious or assumed name registrations as may be required under applicable law. Any and all uses of any of the Marks shall include such information and samples as Franchisor may require. Franchisee may not use "Big Apple Bagels," "BAB," "My Favorite Muffin," "MFM," "Brewster's," or a derivative thereof in its corporate, assumed, or other formal name.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 86–87)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Big Apple Bagels' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee must obtain fictitious or assumed name registrations as required by applicable law. This means that if the franchisee operates their Big Apple Bagels business under a name different from their legal name (e.g., using a business name like "Big Apple Bagels of [City]"), they must register that assumed name with the relevant government authorities. This requirement ensures that the public can identify the legal owner of the business.
This requirement is fairly standard in franchising, as it ensures transparency and legal compliance. The franchisee is responsible for understanding and adhering to the specific assumed name registration laws in their jurisdiction. Failure to register an assumed name when required can result in legal penalties and may affect the franchisee's ability to conduct business.
It is important to note that the franchisee cannot register the Big Apple Bagels trademarks themselves or use variations of the brand name in their corporate or assumed name. The franchisee must display the Big Apple Bagels trademarks prominently and as directed by the franchisor, including providing notices of trademark ownership as specified by Big Apple Bagels. This protects the brand's identity and ensures consistent branding across all franchise locations.